If you’re craving a meal that is both vibrant and effortless, the Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Recipe will become your new go-to. This dish brings together juicy, herb-infused chicken and a colorful array of roasted vegetables, all baked together on one pan for minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Bright lemon zest and fresh herbs perfectly complement the tender chicken and crisp-tender veggies, creating a harmony of tastes that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this sheet pan wonder. Each element plays its own role from adding zest and aroma to providing texture and color, making the whole dish pop with freshness and heartiness.
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless and skinless, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces): Tender and quick-cooking protein, perfect for soaking up the herb marinade.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley: Adds fresh, clean herbal notes that brighten up the dish.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the chicken and vegetables with savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Provides that irresistible, pungent bite to elevate the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For a smoky, slightly sweet undertone and gorgeous color.
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt: A perfect seasoning balance for overall taste enhancement.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right amount of heat without overpowering.
- 2 lemons: Their juice and zest bring brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
- 5 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Helps everything roast to crisp-tender perfection while enriching flavors.
- 1 cup baby carrots (halved): Adds sweetness, color, and a nice crunch to the veggie medley.
- 1 1/2 cups baby golden potatoes (halved): Brings creaminess and heartiness when roasted.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Offers a fresh, green pop and slightly bitter contrast that balances the plate.
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (for broccoli): Adds an extra kick of flavor to the green veggies for that irresistible aroma.
How to Make Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry to ensure they sear nicely when roasted. Cutting them into 1½-inch chunks helps them cook evenly and absorb the lemon herb marinade fully. Mixing half of the seasoning blend with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and juice creates an aromatic marinade that infuses every bite with brightness and savory goodness. Letting the chicken rest covered in the fridge for 30 minutes allows those flavors to really soak in, setting the stage for juicy, flavorful meat.
Step 2: Roast the Carrots and Potatoes
While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 425°F and get a large baking sheet ready with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Halving the baby carrots and golden potatoes ensures they roast evenly and become tender without losing their shape. Tossing these veggies with olive oil and the majority of the seasoning blend locks in flavor and helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven. Roasting them for 20 minutes gives them a head start towards tender perfection, laying down a rich, caramelized base for the final dish.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking
Next, chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets for even cooking and toss it with minced garlic for brightness. When the initial 20 minutes of roasting is done, stir the carrots and potatoes and push them to one side of the pan. Add the broccoli, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle the remaining seasoning over everything. Then, place the marinated chicken pieces on the pan without crowding to ensure each piece roasts evenly and gets a lovely golden sear. Pop the pan back into the oven for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender with a bit of color.
Step 4: Optional Broil for Extra Crispness
If you’re dreaming of a bit more char and caramelization, switch the oven to broil on high for the last 1-2 minutes. But watch closely to prevent burning. This step adds a slight crunch to the edges of both chicken and veggies, taking the overall texture to another level of deliciousness.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the top can add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. For a final zing, a light drizzle of extra lemon juice or a few lemon wedges on the side invites diners to brighten their bites just how they like it.
Side Dishes
Though this recipe stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some warm crusty bread can round out the meal perfectly. If you want to keep the focus tightly on the Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Recipe, serving it with simple quinoa or rice is a gentle, hearty way to soak up any extra juices on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, serve the chicken and vegetables over a bed of mixed greens or alongside a dollop of herb-infused yogurt or tzatziki. You might even wrap the chicken and veggies in warm pita bread for a handheld dinner option that’s just as tasty and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken and vegetables will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Pack leftovers into a freezer-safe container and enjoy within 1-2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken and veggies gently in the oven or on the stovetop to preserve their juiciness and crispness. Microwave reheating is fine for convenience, but the oven will bring back more of that fresh-roasted flavor and texture you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe and tend to stay even juicier during roasting. Just cut them into evenly sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
What vegetables work best with this recipe?
The classic combination of carrots, potatoes, and broccoli works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for seasonal variations and added color.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes?
Marinating improves the flavor penetration and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will add noticeable deliciousness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any seasoning blends to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.
How can I make the veggies crispier?
Make sure to spread the vegetables in a single layer on the pan without overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate. Using a bit more olive oil and roasting at a high temperature helps achieve a nice crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Recipe has all the hallmarks of a winner: it’s simple to prepare, packed with fresh flavors, and delivers a comforting, wholesome dinner with minimal cleanup. If you’re looking for a reliable recipe to brighten up your dinner rotation, give this one a try. I promise it will bring smiles to the table and might just become one of your favorites too!
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Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
This Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables recipe offers a simple, flavorful, and healthy one-pan meal. Tender chicken breast pieces marinated in a zesty lemon herb blend are roasted alongside a medley of colorful baby carrots, golden potatoes, and broccoli florets. The dish combines aromatic herbs, garlic, and a touch of paprika, all baked to perfection, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and clean up.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
- 1 ½ cups baby golden potatoes, halved (quartered if large)
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (for broccoli)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided: 2 tablespoons for vegetables, 1 tablespoon for broccoli)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and cut into 1 ½-inch chunks. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine dried parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate chicken: Add half of the seasoning blend to the chicken along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven and prep veggies: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare vegetables by halving baby carrots and golden potatoes.
- Season and roast carrots and potatoes: Place carrots and potatoes on the baking sheet. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and most of the remaining seasoning mix (reserve about 1 teaspoon). Toss to coat evenly. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Prepare broccoli: Meanwhile, chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Add broccoli and garlic: After 20 minutes, remove pan from oven. Stir carrots and potatoes and push them to one side. Add broccoli and minced garlic to the other side. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and sprinkle reserved seasoning. Toss gently to coat and mix.
- Add chicken to pan: Remove chicken from fridge; discard excess marinade. Spread chicken pieces evenly on the baking sheet ensuring none overlap.
- Roast chicken and vegetables: Return pan to oven and roast for 15–20 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender.
- Broil for finish: For extra color and slight charring, switch oven to broil on high for the last 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful sheet pan lemon herb chicken and vegetables!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure chicken pieces are spread out on the pan for even cooking.
- Adjust vegetable quantities based on preference or seasonal availability.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken has reached safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Broiling is optional but adds a nice browned finish to the dish.
- For a gluten-free meal, confirm all seasonings are gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free